DR. FEMI OKUROUNMU PRESENTING THE REPORT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

The Nigerian Bar Association on Wednesday frowned at the rejection of a minority report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it was undemocratic.

A member of the PAC, Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN), who replaced legal luminary, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) on the committee, had prepared a minority report for onward transmission to the president but apparently his report was not considered.

However, the umbrella body for lawyers in the country expressed optimism that the rejection of the report was not a sign of things to come.

NBA President, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, made the association’s position on the development known while inaugurating the NBA committee on national conference and constitutional review in Abuja.

In an address he read at the event, Wali said, “This may very well be a convenient point to express our disappointment that in receiving the report of the Presidential advisory Committee on the National Conference, the minority report was not received by the President.

“This is undemocratic, and we hope that, this does not represent signs of things to come.

“The NBA therefore advises that the President calls for and receives the minority report, prepared by Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN.

“Please make no mistakes, this is not about Mr. Asemota, SAN, being a member of the Bar, it is about conforming with the true tenets of democracy, where the majority may have its way, but the minority must have its say.

“Mr. President, and indeed the people of this country may very well find the minority report useful and resourceful”.

Information Nigeria reports that the NBA committee on national conference is made up of 15 members headed by Awa Kalu (SAN) and Titi Akinlawo (SAN) as Secretary.